Losing a loved one unexpectedly in an accident is traumatic for the surviving family members. In addition to the emotional toll, you must cope with financial burdens that come with no longer having the decedent’s contributions to the family.
If your family member dying results from someone else’s intentional act or negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Our personal injury attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience in cases like this and want to help you. A Palm Bay wrongful death lawyer could compassionately guide you through the legal process of a case like this.
Under Florida Statutes §768.16-768.26, a personal representative may file a lawsuit for the decedent if someone else’s wrongful act, negligence, or breach of contract caused the death.
A responsible party does not have to be charged criminally before a personal representative could file an action for someone wrongly dying. Because these types of lawsuits could be highly complex, a family facing the wrongful death of their loved one is advised to seek counsel from an experienced Palm Bay attorney.
Claims for someone wrongly dying may arise if someone’s negligence or breach of duty causes another person to die. Family members may have a case if the deceased lost their life due to:
A Palm Bay wrongful death attorney could negotiate with the insurance company on behalf of the family or present their claim in court.
In the state, the only person permitted to file a lawsuit for the person who wrongly died is the decedent’s representative. A personal representative is appointed by the deceased in their last will and testament prior to their death. In many cases, the personal representative is a spouse, adult child, other family members, or a close friend.
If the deceased did not sign a will, a judge could appoint someone to represent the decedent’s estate. The personal representative must file within two years of the accident or risk losing any claim for damages. A hard-working attorney in Palm Bay familiar with cases involving someone untimely death could ensure that the claim is filed timely.
Regardless of who initiates the lawsuit, only certain people may seek damages in a claim if someone wrongly dies. These people might be the decedent’s surviving spouse, parents, children, and relatives who were dependent on them at the time of their passing.
Eligible family members may recover economic and non-economic damages in a case where someone died. These could include medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages, loss of the deceased’s love and companionship, and the emotional suffering of the surviving family members.
Calculating damages like emotional pain can be challenging, but the assistance of a knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer in Palm Bay could be invaluable to a family who has tragically lost their loved one.
Facing the death of a beloved family member is traumatic, especially if it occurred due to someone else’s actions. Although no amount of money will bring back your loved one, you may have some relief if the responsible party is held accountable for their actions.
Cases where someone wrongly dies are complicated legal matters that require the experience of a dedicated Palm Bay wrongful death lawyer. The compassionate attorneys at our firm have secured millions of dollars for people who have had loved ones killed due to the fault of another person. We could provide you and your family with the answers you need during this difficult time. Call our legal team today to talk to a compassionate representative today.
